This 4th of July, open your heart and home to an exchange student and make a dream come true

Marie-Claude Dijoud, program director for non profit Educational Merit Foundation for Student Exchange, the only organization based in Texas, is currently accepting applications for host families for 2013/14 school year. Host families open their homes to a 15- to 18-year-old from France, Germany, Norway, Brazil or China. Students come for one or two semesters, and attend a local high school. Through the exchange experience, both student and family get the chance to learn about a new culture and promote global understanding, right here in our community.

“Host families represent the diversity of America, and come from different backgrounds and family situations,” explained Dijoud. “Among those who enjoy hosting are parents looking to give their own kids a glimpse of the world. There are also many successful host families who have no children, or who have adult children, and are looking for new ways to connect to their communities. Single parents with or without children as well as single sex families are welcome to apply. Being part of exchange is a great way to give back and maybe check off that New Year’s resolution to learn more about the world in 2013.”

Host family applicants undergo a screening process to ensure that they are well suited for an exchange experience. To host, one adult in the household must be at least 25 years old.

Committed to promoting international understanding and global awareness since 1991, EMF is designated by the United States Department of State as an Exchange Program Sponsor. Learn more about high school exchange at emfusa.org or contact Marie-Claude Dijoud at mcdijoud@emfusa.org and/or 800-467-8363.

Please, let's remain focused, Ms. Dijoud, never is there an "URGENT!" need to secure host families. Never. I called you in an attempt to discuss this; only to be met with you becoming immediately defensive, and said, 'I refuse to answer any of your questions..." then abruptly ending the call. Spoke volumes. The word "URGENT!" must be removed from the announcement that appeared in the Gilmer Mirror, to include all future advertisements. Thank you.

This dangerous method of advertising the need for homes for these students should not be entertained. Too many placement agencies accept more students than there are host families available; often resulting in students being placed in the homes of convicted felons and registered sex offenders.

Ms. Grijalva forget to mention that host families who want to host agree to have a police background check for all family members over 18 as part of the screening process. Convicted felons and sex offenders would not pass the screening. The rule at EMF is that we do not place students in homes where we would not place our own children. It is simple and it works.